” There are two modes we’re interested in: the fundamental ‘raw block cipher mode’ known as Electronic Code Book (ECB), where patterns in the plaintext are revealed in the ciphertext; and all the others, which mask input patterns even when the same input data is encrypted by the same key.

The college student at our table recommends the ribs—she’s been here before, on “dates” with her “daddies.” “There are a lot of tech guys,” she says. I reject it when people say I’m oppressed by the patriarchy.